FIJI basketball rep Grace Taito hails her recent trip to Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games Friendship Camp as a success.

Taito alongside badminton player Norman Bentley were the lucky two chosen from a large number of nominees to attend the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Friendship Camp from December 8-12.

The Friendship Camp focused on providing the 260 campers from 130 different countries an opportunity to mingle around and learn each others culture. The duo also had a "sports exploration", team building workshops and a "chat with champions"- elite athletes, including former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, who shared their experiences and advice with tomorrow's champions.

Taito who was teamed with youths from Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, various parts of Africa and more said
the experience she gained was overwhelming.

"I really enjoyed this trip. We learnt the different aspects in a youth's life and I value friendship as the most important of all," she said.

"We made friends and learnt different cultures of the participating youths. It was a very successful trip." The 15-year-old lass who will be turning 16 next week was part of the National Under-20 women's team, which won bronze 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament in Guam.

Taito said she was now preparing for the National Basketball Championship to be played next month in Lautoka. She plays for the newly-formed talented team called Chosen J's formerly known as the X-Wounds.

The Fiji Times Online

Saturday 26th December, 2009